In loving memory of Mary Kathleen (Kathy) (Kris) Hopper. Born February 7 th , 1943 – Passed peacefully June 1 st , 2023.
Kathy was born in Lakeland Florida and was adopted by Nat and Josephine Ryan of Apopka, where she grew up. After graduating from Apopka Memorial High School, she attended Lindsey Wilson College located in Columbia, Ky. There is where she met and married Marion W. Hopper from Russell Springs. Ky.
Throughout their 60 years together they had two daughters, Mary Jo and Maureen. They became grandparents to four grandchildren, Jacob, Taylor, Emilee and Tanner, and great grandparents to Jacob and Josephine.
After working as a teacher’s aide for 20 years at Dream Lake Elementary, Kathy decided to go back to school and get her teaching degree from Nova University. She really enjoyed teaching and was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1997. She taught ESE at Apopka High School until she retired.
Kathy was very involved in the Apopka community. She was a member of the Apopka Women’s Club where she received many awards and recognitions for her tireless work at the Apopka Art and Foliage Festival. She was a member of the Apopka Historical Society, and a Chamber of Commerce member in which she was given awards for her work there as well. She was very involved in her church from childhood, The First United Methodist of Apopka. Kathy’s passion was Florida Horticulture. She loved learning and sharing her love of plants, flowers, and nature to anyone who was interested in learning as well.
Kathy is survived by her husband Marion W. Hopper; Children, Mary Jo Hutsell (Barry S. Hutsell); Grandchildren, Taylor L. Hutsell, Emilee L. Sumlin, Tanner S. Hutsell; Great Grandchildren, Jacob Sumlin and Josephine Sumlin; Sister, Nancy Blalock (Ed Taubensee). Many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family. She had many family and friends in Kentucky and her native Florida.
Kathy’s memory will be cherished by all those who knew her. She touched the lives of so many people and her legacy will live on through the memories she created.